Hamilton de Holanda Quintet

Brasilianos

Hamilton de Holanda plays a 10-string mandolin. He plays it really really well. He plays it fast when he wants to, which is quite often (“01 Byte 10 Cordas”), and slow and pretty when that’s what he’s in the mood for (“For You to Stay”), and everything in between. His hot little quartet is right with him every step of the way; this is basically Daniel Santiago’s trio plus de Holanda and Gabriel Grossi on harmonica, so there is a little more latitude for the band, which stretches out a few more times than when it’s just Santiago’s band. De Holanda is a true musical searcher—his record this year with Mike Marshall is a real mandolin hoedown—and tracks like “Small Country Train” and “Hermeto Is Playing” will capture your heart by messing with your head. Top marks for this cunning and fun record.